Barry Westling

Hi Jessica: Timeliness is a part preparation, and does contribute to being a good role model. Good teachers put in time, effort, thought, planning, and resource acquisition in rediness for every class. When students arrive, they are there, not fumbling throgh papers, making last minute copies, monkeying around with the computer, etc. They are there to greet students, answer questions without the students feeling they're interrupting or bothering the teacher. When class starts, there is an order and a plan. The teacher is calm and relaxed, confident in their lesson preparation, and needed resources are ready when needed. In this… >>>

Hi Casey: Humor has a place in education, just as it does in life. And of course, there are all kinds of humor. And timing is critical - such as your example of spontaneous singing and dancing. Too much of levity in the classroom conveys the wrong message, perhaps that the teacher is not serious or interested in the material. But a natural and genuine sense of humor from the teacher conveys a sense of relaxed and confidence that can dispel tension and angst when class is nervous, or worried, or unprepared. An honest and sincere teacher who provides, and… >>>